Job Description:
WE’RE LOOKING FOR A HELICOPTER PILOT
POSITION LOCATION: FORT ERIE
As a key member of the Airbus Helicopters Canada Ltd. (AHCA) Flight Operations team reporting directly to the Head of Flight Operations, the Helicopter Pilot operates with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating closely across multi-disciplinary teams—including Aircraft Completions, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, and Training. The Pilot supports all assigned flight operations across Canada and the USA in strict adherence to company policies, OEM Flight Manuals, the AHCA Flight Operations Manual, and Transport Canada Regulations, consistently placing flight safety as the top priority.
Responsibilities include conducting post-production and maintenance test flights, delivering customer ground and flight instruction, and providing technical and administrative guidance to support fleet operations. This position requires high operational adaptability and the ability to travel across North America on short notice to support customer deliveries, training, and operational requirements.
This role demands high operational adaptability, including readiness to manage spontaneous scheduling adjustments and provide support during weekends or statutory holidays when mission requirements dictate.
Residence & Relocation: Habitation in the Niagara vicinity or a commitment to resettle is a mandatory prerequisite for this appointment.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintenance flights, deliveries and demonstrations:
Maintenance Test Flying: Conduct maintenance flight tests to ensure full compliance with technical manuals, OEM flight manuals, safety standards, and Transport Canada regulations.
System Evaluation & Troubleshooting: Perform rigorous flight testing and troubleshooting to thoroughly evaluate airframes and onboard systems; proactively identify technical issues and collaborate across departments to source and execute effective solutions.
Deliveries & Special Missions: Support customer deliveries, new helicopter completions (NHC), major alterations/repairs (MAR), and ferry flights as assigned.
Flight Test & STC Programs: Execute dedicated flight test programs and Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) compliance flights as assigned.
Technical & Record Review: Review all relevant technical documentation, flight controls, procedures, and historical aircraft logs prior to test operations.
New System Familiarization: Maintain thorough operational proficiency with new or modified avionics, systems, instrumentation, and specialized mission equipment.
Cross-Functional Coordination: Debrief and coordinate post-flight test results with Quality Assurance, Flight Line, Engineering, and Flight Operations personnel.
Commercial & Marketing Support: Partner with Commercial and Marketing teams to execute customer demonstration flights, static displays, and trade show presentations.
Training:
Course Delivery & Flight Instruction: Deliver comprehensive ground school instruction and conduct flight training for initial and recurrent pilot courses, covering normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures.
Technical & Performance Support: Act as an operational subject matter expert for customers, providing clear technical guidance on aircraft performance, flight-related maintenance, and operational considerations.
Instruction & Evaluation: Execute high-standard flight instruction, skill evaluations, and pilot assessments in designated aircraft or flight training devices (simulators).
Flight and Operational Safety:
Flight Documentation & Planning: Prepare thorough pre-flight and post-flight documentation, comprehensive risk assessments, and precise flight plans prior to all operations.
Occurrence & Safety Reporting: Promptly document and report significant operational occurrences, safety events, or hazards to the Head of Flight Operations and/or the Aviation Safety Manager.
Safety Culture Promotion: Actively champion and embed an uncompromising safety culture as a foundational principle across all flight test and training activities.
Departmental Safety Compliance: Ensure all aviation training, operational standards, and regulatory safety requirements are fully met across the Flight Operations team.
Continuous Proficiency: Maintain high operational readiness, personal flying proficiency, and complete all assigned recurrent training programs.
Communication, Coordination & Travel:
Inter-Departmental Alignment: Actively participate in policy, planning, and cross-departmental meetings to align flight operations with organizational goals.
Regulatory & Policy Compliance: Consistently uphold and enforce Transport Canada regulations, company policies, and Flight Operations Manuals (AH FOM / AHI LFOM).
Strategic Operational Support: Provide authoritative insights and recommendations to the Head of Flight Operations on training, safety protocols, flight operations, and regulatory updates.
Customer & Market Engagement: Interface with clients to promote Airbus training solutions, proactively tailoring programs beyond standard schedules to meet customer needs.
North American Mobility: Maintain readiness for short-notice travel across Canada and the USA to support dynamic operational and customer requirements.
Administrative Rigor: Complete all administrative duties accurately and on time, including complex expense reports, detailed flight test reports, and operational documentation.
EDUCATION & JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education
College Diploma in Aviation or equivalent experience.
Transport Canada Commercial Helicopter License (or higher) and IFR Group 4, with valid and unrestricted Class 1 Medical.
FAA Commercial helicopter license (or higher) would be an asset.
Type rating and experience on any of: H125/H130 (EC30), H135, and/or H145 (H135 is highly preferred).
Experience
Minimum
2,000 total helicopter flight hours.
500 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC).
1,000 hours in turbine-powered helicopters.
100 hours instrument flight time (IFR).
At least 100 flight hours completed within the past 12 months.
Demonstrated experience in multi-engine helicopters.
Proven flight and ground instruction experience.
Post-maintenance flight test experience.
Preferred
3,000+ total helicopter flight hours.
1,000+ hours as Pilot in Command (PIC).
500+ hours in multi-engine helicopters.
400+ hours IFR.
Transport Canada Flight Instructor Rating.
Night Vision Goggles (NVG) operational experience.
Experience with new aircraft deliveries.
OEM training standards experience are highly valued.
Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities
OEM Expertise: Prior flight/operational experience on Airbus Helicopter platforms is highly preferred.
Regulatory & Technical Mastery: Comprehensive understanding of aircraft systems, flight testing, training methodologies, and Transport Canada regulations.
Autonomy & Collaboration: Proven ability to work independently with high self-management, while seamlessly integrating into multi-disciplinary teams (Maintenance, Quality, Completions, and Training).
Operational Adaptability & Travel: Willingness and availability to travel across North America on short notice, with flexibility to support weekend, holiday, or evolving schedule requirements.
Cross-Border Eligibility: Legally authorized to work in Canada and eligible for unhindered travel to and within the United States.
Language & Communication: Professional English proficiency required; fluency in French (bilingualism) is highly advantageous.
Technical Systems: Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Learning Management Systems (LMS).
AHCA is committed to inclusivity; therefore, accommodations can be made available for all applicants, except where a bona fide occupational requirement applies.
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company:
Airbus Helicopters Canada Ltd
Employment Type:
Permanent
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Experience Level:
Professional
Job Family:
Testing <JF-EN-ET>
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